Sergei Sikorsky Visits Kermit - Sikorsky S-55 & S-39

Sergei Sikorsky Visits FoF - Part 1 of 3 - Sikorsky S-55 & 39
It was a special treat, and my pleasure, in February 2020 to have Sergei Sikorsky visit Fantasy of Flight. He was there to film an interview for an upcoming IMAX film on the adventures of Martin & Osa Johnson, and their plane expeditions into Africa and Borneo with the Sikorsky S-38 and S-39.
Of course, I used the opportunity to do some interviewing myself, as we walked around my facility, and viewed some of his Sikorsky planes in my collection. Fascinating would be an understatement to our chat in Part 1 here, full of his knowledge and stories on the S-55 helicopters and the S-38 and 39 flying boats. Check it out.
And look for Part 2 and Part 3 with more from Sergei as we view the Sikorsky S-43, the Seversky P-35 and the Messerschmitt Bf-108. Cool stuff!
Kermit Weeks
NOTE: This was originally going to be a 2 Part Series, but we had so much interesting footage of Sergei discussing the Sikorsky S-43, we decided to make all of Part 2 S-43 related, and move the P-35 and Bf-108 to its own Part 3.
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Martin & Osa Johnson Photos and Video used here are from THE MARTIN & OSA JOHNSON SAFARI MUSEUM in Chanute, Kansas
safarimuseum.com/
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Kermit Weeks

[@kurtfrancis4621]

Sergei looks damned good for 94/95! Born 1925. Hope I'm around and look that good in 40 years

[@bendeleted9155]

He's very sharp, personable and makes you totally at ease even when it's obvious you are awestruck by his presence. 😉

[@kwerk2011]

I was kinda stunned when he was talking about being 7 at time of launch of the S38. I was thinking this dude apparently in his 70's would have to be in his 90's for that to be true.

[@bendeleted9155]

@@kwerk2011 I met Mr. Sikorsky at the Hiller Museum 20 years ago, and it was like going back in time, seeing Igor himself. He wrote a nice book called flying the 'heelikoopter'. Highly recommended.

[@flyinhawaiian5848]

It's hard to believe this man is 95 years old! What a valuable wealth of knowledge and history of Sikorsky aviation he is! Outstanding video!

[@martinda7446]

If Sergei is looking in, it was a true pleasure to hear your memories. You could feel your enthusiasm and excitement with these wonderful machines was still there in full. Thanks Kermit for inviting us. Being from the UK we had the Westland versions of these beautiful helicopters. The Dragonfly and Whirlwind being my favourites. We often saw the royal Wessex and particularly remember when it landed right next to us in Hyde Park....Maybe 1979??

[@obri8927]

This is a wonderful video. My father had the opportunity to meet Sergei when my father was working for Igor at the Sikorski factory from 1964 to 1967 at a Navy test pilot. He loved working there.

[@scottminshall6420]

WOW! Fascinating Kermit, thanks so much for sharing. Looking forward to part two!

[@Bugdriver49]

Aaaaaah....didn't want that to end!! I could listen to to you guys for hours... !! can't wait for part 2!!!!

[@saabysaabinsky2785]

Fantastic!....This is going to sound like I'm "Sucking up"....but here is a meeting of two giants of aviation from two different generations. There is so much history and many stories in Mr. Sikorsky's experiences and life. I'm glad you are able to document a little bit and ones especially pertinent to your airplanes. Looking forward to Part 2!

[@roverdad]

Wow! I am so glad that you shared this. Honestly I could listen to Sergei’s stories for hours. Thanks Sergei and Kermit and everyone involved for recording this fascinating visit.

[@dan_1003]

Well done Kermit. I can't wait for part 2. Thanks

[@jjmurff]

Wow Sergei is a Wealth of Knowledge!

[@jimm2099]

That is a fantastic video! Many thanks to Sergei for sharing his history and to Kermit for creating the video. P.S. More people need to click the like button.

[@dcpack]

Sergei was a Coast Guard Petty Officer during WWII stationed at the Coast Guard Air Station in Brooklyn (Floyd Bennett Field) working on the program training the early crews and pilots on the R-4 helos. Nice to see he is still kickin'. The Coast Guard gets very little recognition for it's pivotal role in helicopter role development in the United States, hence the world. Back when Sikorsky was an independent company they would award crew members a winged "S" pin and certificate when they flew a life saving mission in a Sikorsky helo. It was very cool to receive those from that company. (In my day they were the HH-3F and the HH-52A)

[@maxkitch3401]

I have 10 "winged S's" from Mountain rescues at NAS Whidbey Island SAR, highest being 10K + ft msl

[@garynew9637]

Thanks, nice story.

[@fargknob]

Outstanding video Kermit.....what a super guy. Love the S-55 and S-58. Thanks for filming it my friend.

[@philvaughan4091]

Absolutely fascinating! Sergei’s knowledge, his memory and his ability to convey his thoughts while holding your attention is amazing. Thank you! I am looking forward to your “Act III” ...

[@thebradfordcamps]

Kermit and Uncle Sergei.... PRICELESS! You both are wonderful for what you do and have done for aviation, past and present. Hope that our paths cross soon..... From Igor, III

[@richardcrouse4644]

What a wonderful opportunity to see pioneer flights & explorations. As a kid I remember seeing Tarzan movies with much of what the documentary film must have had. Viewing this film was a real thrill. And yes, we have had the pleasure of touring your great museum. Looking forward to "Part 2"! Thank you from Cut and Shoot, Texas ~ RC

[@greenlantern3561]

What an awesome video. You (we) are very lucky to have an opportunity to see you share and listen to his history

[@odonovan]

Kermit, I'm DEFINITELY looking forward to the Kermie Cam when you take Sergei Sikorsky up in one (or more) of his father's aircraft. That will be one for the history books, indeed!

[@bobohm21]

That was fascinating. Sergei has lived and influenced so much history.

[@munched55]

*Amazing opportunity for an insight into that era of flight. Can't wait for the next installment.*

[@charlestaylor1042]

Absolutely Amazing Kermit!

[@bradmullins229]

Great video looking forward to part II

[@jonyoung6253]

My parents were in the IOC and good friends with Sergei and Elena. Wonderful people. The IOC membership was filled with aviation legends.

[@gregdannels1699]

This episode? priceless!

[@gryfandjane]

Brilliant episode! Hearing Mr. Sikorsky’s recollections of the glory days of the company is a definite treat... living history. Greatly looking forward to Part 2!

[@lorenzodunn3226]

Excellent film footage and sound. Loved the inter actin between Mr. Sikorsky and Mr. Weeks.

[@matto9734]

Definitely on par with the best documentaries and thank god that Sergei is still amongst us to tell the story. Thank you so much Kermit and I can´t wait for part 2 ;-)

[@equaltothetaskaviation6440]

wow what a treat, that was absolutly fascinating, can't wait for part 2 - thanks for bringing us this

[@bluzcompany2293]

Cool dude, thanks Kermit for sharing Sergei with us.

[@pR1mal.]

My only question to Sergei, is how the hell did his father manage to walk around with those giants balls of steel? Holy cow, watching footage of his early test flights is incredible. Truly a pioneer of aviation and a natural engineer. The helicopter has saved many lives. Hope that didn't come across as too coarse.

[@skm9420]

You don't spend much time in hangers if you're worried about that being coarse

[@skm9420]

Just an observation not trying to belittle you, text is difficult to grasp context.

[@ollyalme]

@@skm9420 You both seem to treat others with respect, and I salute you both for it!

[@carlnietoweise4653]

For True! I remember a Discovery Wings episode about Igor and it showed him doing some hovering test on an open cockpit proto type with the main rotor barely a foot above his head, no safety harness that I could see....wearing a Fedora!!! Balls of Steel? Too Right!!

[@SVSky]

@@carlnietoweise4653 men were different back then

[@j007pace]

Special treat is understatement of the year! I cant wait to see part 2, and I hope you can film more videos with special guests like Mr. Sikorsky

[@wretchedexcess1654]

Amazing video and I can hardly wait to see part II. Awesome stuff FOF!

[@stay_at_home_astronaut]

What a treat to hear Mr. Sikorsky tell his first hand memories.

[@jayminor9757]

Excellent video and I really look forward to part 2. It's inspiring to see Mr. Sikorsky so spry and sharp. I have spent almost 40 years maintaining Sikorsky helicopters so they put food on my table, paid for pianos and lessons for my 3 kids, helped my kids through school and on and on. They are fine aircraft and I owe them a lot.

[@toadelevator]

This is ……..FANTASTIC !

[@JSBIRD69]

Sergei is most definitely Igor's son. The resemblance is uncanny! God bless you Sir, your family has had a very positive effect on American history and the lives saved are likely uncountable.

[@vipertwenty249]

What a truly wonderful old gentleman Sergei is. He so reminds me of my stepfather, who was of the same vintage but sadly passed away some years ago (he was a navigator on Wellingtons in ww2). People of Sergei's generation are being lost as time passes so videos like these are especially important so that future generations will be able to connect with those of the past. This is what makes it possible for the young to see icons like Sergei and his father as real people rather than just cardboard cutouts. Connecting with the people of the past is what enables the young to see past the event and empathise with the people involved as people like themselves.

[@dirtylatte]

Fantastic! What a cool guy. Many thanks to Sergei and to Kermit for bringing him to us!

[@rolandalfonso6954]

This. Was.Wonderful. Word-for-word; Start to finish. What a story! I can't wait for Part 2!

[@MarkTurkel]

Hi Kermit - good to see you! I was one of the kids that used to hang out at your air museum at Tamiami Airport, and I'll never forget seeing you fly the Mustang over us when we were flying our RC airplanes. You certainly left a lasting impression on all of us...35 years later, we're still flying our models and still talking about hanging out in the museum! As I got older, we had some office space across 137th ave from Tamiami airport, and every time you fired up a warbird, I went outside to watch you fly overhead! (We moved away after Andrew, around the same time you moved to Orlando.) We used to fly on the roads that became The Hammocks when it was all sawgrass out there. Well, just wanted to say hello, and thanks again for the influence and great memories!

[@artd.]

What a Wonderful video Mr. Kermit, glad Sergei was able to visit. He is a remarkable man. It is really good to see him being recognized for his aviation contributions.

[@pbyfr]

Awesome, thanks for sharing.

[@BaumannJA]

What a Treat to get to be Audience to Aviation Royalty. Thank You Kermit for sharing!

[@dlavarco]

My God is he really 95 years old? Amazing

[@dlavarco]

@Kathleen Shaw Indeed. I hope we get to see him fly in Part 2. How cool was it when he said not to change "Spirit of Igor" to "Spirit of Africa" name for filming purposes.

[@motormech1h343]

Did not know he is 95 must of done something right

[@josemorenoporras7506]

I must to stop the video at 21:00 when he said "he was 7" and they were talking about stock market crash (29)...

[@TSemasFl]

95 and crystal clear, I hope I'm that lucky.

[@mattharte7334]

That was brilliant, very cool, really interesting to get Sergei's personal insight into these legendary aircraft and to hear some of his stories. The S-55 engine noise is an awesome sound and I'll buy a ticket for a ride in one, and looking forward to seeing part 2!

[@billtimmons7071]

The center of gravity range problem discussion was fascinating ... always wondered why engines where put up front like a pickup truck. They had the encased drive shaft coming up between the pilots ... crude but effective. The Brits then converted to a gas turbine stuck up front. Very unique looking helicopter. To have a sharp as a tack 90 year old plus guest like that in your hanger is priceless. Very cool video.

[@model-man7802]

Fantastic Kermit!!!!

[@Bikerbob59]

Count your blessings that we get to see this stuff.

[@loymong661]

.ុំ

[@TheDisabledGamersChannel]

I was a Refueller so so many years ago in my youth on that very Papillon S55 you have, good to see it went to good hands, i remember when you first had it delivered, but at Papillon we also had a really cool Kaman K-MAX, it was such a cool twin rotor helicopter.

[@Al-ck7oh]

Kermit this video is fantastic, Really one for the history books. They don't make guys like you anymore.

[@garypashley3636]

Wonderful video, the man is still sharp as a tack given his age now. The whole aviation community owes him and his father so much. Looking forward to seeing part2

[@P61guy61]

Could listen for hours. Thank you for posting.

[@stranraerwal]

Sergei Sikorsky has such a sharp and witty mind-incredible for someone born 1925!!!

[@AeroDinosaur]

This is EXCELLENT! Didn't know 2nd gen Sikorsky still around--Godspeed! History still alive!

[@robertlafnear4865]

Thanks for sharing this Kermit...... Just fantastic that you are the one with the vision to bring these great aircraft back to life and share that with all of us ! Hope to make it to FoF some time and it was a treat to see a bunch of you planes at Oshkosh back in '18. Keep up the Great work .

[@HandFromCoffin]

The history and stories in this guys head.. awesome.

[@carlnietoweise4653]

Igor Sikorsky is a personal hero to me. He set out to design a machine that would be a boon to mankind....a machine of war, of mercy, of utility, of pleasure. and he did! And after he designed the helicopter, he had to figure out how to fly it and then, teach the world how. I like to think every time a Life Flight helicopter lands at a hospital or a Dust Off chopper takes an injured soldier to safety, Igor Sikorsky is smiling. It must of been an honor to interact with his son. Thank you for sharing this experience with us!

[@jakeaviator1515]

carl Nieto Weise I’ll agree and disagree. Igor adapted an invention made by Juan de la Cierva. Officially Juan de la Cierva is the inventor of the helicopter.

[@carlnietoweise4653]

@@jakeaviator1515 Thank's for setting me straight on that Jake. I guess Igor is like Henry Ford in that he didn't invent the Automobile, he made it accessible to any one. Still a worthy achievement!

[@jakeaviator1515]

carl Nieto Weise don’t get me wrong. I’m not taking any achievements from Sikorsky. He’s done his part. But the foundation for what Sikorsky achieved was thanks to la Cierva. It sounds like you really like helicopters. You should look it up and then see how Sikorsky then achieved what he did. I’d say it’s more of a joint work.

[@jakeaviator1515]

carl Nieto Weise kzbin.info/www/bejne/o4LMln6knNGtoJY original paths film from 1931

[@carlnietoweise4653]

@@jakeaviator1515 Aren't all milestones a collaboration of many minds? I'm sure both would point towards Leonardo Da Vinci for inspiration.

[@thetourettesgamer8851]

Can’t wait for part two

[@VicariousAir]

Just visited your park last week. I was driving to Lakeland last Sunday to visit my old house and saw the signs for Fantasy of Flight! It was incredible to see it in person... felt like I knew my way around. Loved the P51... left my number with Kathy in the event you ever need nose art painted! Wished I could have met you and Paul in person... maybe in Osh Kosh

[@michaelgrabbe2803]

Thank you for this. Totally enjoyed it and can't wait for Part 2.

[@johnkamm8886]

Wow...yet again a super, learning video. What a cool information exchange going on and only makes me want part 2 more the ever. Thanking for posting such a historical, fun, & learning video ....... kind of sounds like phase 3 is starting....😉

[@MonkPetite]

Awesome well done Kermit, it’s priceless. A legendary interview.

[@WayneT51]

Most enjoyable, it was great to hear reminiscences. Looking forward to part 2. Greetings from down under.

[@Scott.Mariani]

Awesome interview, thank you!

[@chairintheair4322]

This VIP interview, places Kermie Cams in a class of its own. Living connections alongside memorabilia such as these, are simply priceless. .“WELL DONE !!” This leads FANTACY OF FLIGHT, to a whole new level now. Thank you for sharing this truly historical event.

[@angelreading5098]

What a great privilege to meet with Sergei such a modest man considering his status in the Sikorsky family,he has a mind as sharp as a pin considering his age,it would be lovely to get him flying is such a beautiful aircraft,looking forward to Part 2.

[@olsonspeed]

Excellent, thanks for making my day with this interview.

[@Rhett662]

fantastic interview Thanks Kermit

[@arnhemseptember2009]

This is an absolutely great video. This man has many stories to tell!

[@964cuplove]

What a great video, I have no propper knowledge of the planes you talk about. But all those first hand memories truly bring the times alive.... And please bring him back soon for the flying and more stories.... I personally wouldn’t mind 2-3h episodes ;-)

[@5xls]

What a special visitor! And gosh, Sergei looks just great!

[@gregaussie5254]

Gee what a great story he has to tell ,another fantastic video , well done

[@donaldholman9070]

You are so cool Kermit and also inspiring!

[@KermitWeeks444]

Thank you!

[@brianking81]

What a brilliant experience.

[@Ripper13F1V]

I hope you got him to put his autograph somewhere on those aircraft. He's one special and historical man.

[@MrCarGuy]

Fantastic! Sharing these things are very valuable to us!

[@SailingYachtDreamcatcher]

Fascinating!

[@maxsmodels]

wonderful.

[@reconmodelsvaughn469]

What a awesome Opportunity and what a awesome video i would love to talk to Sergei Sikorsky .very cool

[@darkredvan]

Thank you for sharing this great video. It is amazing how interesting all your videos are. Can‘t wait for part 2. BTW it would make a good series to do interviews with other relevant aviators / aviation related personalities.

[@mrhb4283]

Another Russian gift for the USA)) By the way, Sergey has preserved magnificent russian and speaks it perfectly. Cool and talented man.

[@RichieRouge206]

What an amazing guy, amazing video too

[@Cropmaster260]

Its nice how you let him tell his stories. All too often the interviewer will cut in and disrupt the flow of information.

[@sledawgpilot]

Cindy Klenk Yes Ma’am

[@trevormillard1339]

And such fantastic stories too

[@scottcurtis4849]

Wow just wow!!!!!!!

[@MililaniJag]

Very cool! Cheers!!

[@jayfmiller]

Kermit, Thank you, thank you! Too many aviation people leave without recording their stories.

[@fromaggiovagiola9128]

Great video. This is great. Up there with talking to Bob Hoover or Chuck Yeager.

[@joetexas1546]

Good stuff-interesting!

[@steveshoemaker6347]

This is...PRICELESS....Thanks Kermit so very much....Mr. Sikorsky him self WOW...!

[@ded1333]

s39 is my favorite plane. as a new PPL, it is my dream to get to experience one of these great aircraft. what an amazing video!

[@bgd73]

amazing video. famous chopper and a close relative of it. I read of hill 673 in korea. sikorsky was a big part of getting over it..that wa sjust one hill of many. that one had medals of honor.

[@alhodge4051]

wonderful to hear his memories..

[@UltraMagaFan]

I love that they use Hueys and S-55s to dry cherries.

[@Chrizzletrizz]

Thank you! Happy landings :-)

[@danielkramer2318]

Nice Kermit 👍

[@johankotze42]

Incredible. I so wish your suggested "projects" with Sergei comes off!

[@hunterleebrown]

Gosh he's in great shape physically and mentally for 95!

[@irishshintoshi8213]

Great video, love the interview

[@ianallen1948]

Cool....we got to tag along on the Gucci tour of the collection!

[@korypo303]

AMAZING!!